The Chattanooga Convention Center.(Dave Flessner / Chattanooga Times Free Press)

The Chattanooga Convention Center opened its doors on Carter Street in 1985, nearly forty years ago - far exceeding its expectations.

Now, the city’s tourism industry - which earned record revenues last year - is looking into whether it’s time for a new and larger convention center.

Dave Flessner is business editor for The Chattanooga Times Free Press.